Kate's POVThe sun was already rising by the time we arrived in the clearing where the Captain had told us he would be waiting.Keto slowed down as we spotted the black bus parked under a cluster of trees. It was silent there, the wind blowing leaves across the parched track. I spotted him almost immediately, their captain.He was standing straight, arms folded, dark shades hiding his eyes, and chewing gum like he was the boss of the world. I stepped out first, and after spotting me, he smiled."Well, well," he said, opening his arms. "If it isn't my favorite troublemaker."I laughed and went to hug him. His hug was warm and firm, as always."Good to see you," I said."Likewise, Kate." He stepped back, eyeing the two coming down from the jeep. "So, these are your people?"I half-turned. "Yeah. This is Keto, he's the one running the op. And that's Kira."Banks threw a casual salute. "Pleasure. I've heard the name Keto get tossed around. Heard individuals with that name get things done.
Lyra's POVThere was a man in the bathroom. I did not recognize him. He just stood there, staring at me, not uttering a word. My eyes widened in horror, and I used my hands to cover my body."What the hell," I began to say.But he was gone in a flash.He just vanished.I swallowed hard. I looked at the spot where he was just a moment before, and then no one was around.I blinked a few times, trying to understand what just happened. Was I losing my mind? Was he a witch?I stepped back and shut the bathroo
Kate's POVI didn't get a wink of sleep the whole night through.Every time I attempted to close my eyes, I was stuck thinking about the face of my brother, and then that voice of that son of a gun on the phone kept replaying inside my head. It was like a broken cassette.Fifteen million dollars in three days.I didn't have that kind of money. And I couldn't tell anyone, not yet. We had a mission to contemplate. If I broke down or lost focus, all could be for naught. Ravenna and Orion needed help. If anything did happen to them because of my distraction, I couldn't live with myself.So I got up, put on a black top and jeans, pulled my hair back, and l
Lyra's POVI stared at Orion, trying to understand what he just said. Dying? I took a step back.“What do you mean I’m dying?” I asked slowly, my voice trembling.Orion looked at me, his own face calm but unyielding. "The fact that you're an alpha. It's killing you, Ravenna. Even if you've not realized it yourself."I felt like the earth had shifted from under my feet. "That doesn't make sense.""Every time you change," he interrupted gently, "the symptoms will get worse. You'll lose strength. Your strength will drop rapidly. Your body will start to fail you. It's not your fault, but it's happening."My lips shut themselves."So what, you brought me here to die?""No," he said. "I brought you here because the witches can help you."I stared at him as if I didn't know him. "A witch?" I laughed. "Why didn't you inform me of this earlier, before we even crossed the river? Before I gulped down that potion to mask my scent?""I did not want you to be afraid," he said quietly. "And then you
Ruth's POVI woke up this morning feeling very happy. It has been quite a while since I felt this good.The universe was finally evening itself out for me. Orion and Ravenna had marched into the lion's den, and I was going to see that they never marched back out. I leaned back in my bed, enjoying the peace in my room. Then someone knocked on the door. I pushed my feet into my fuzzy slippers and said, "Come in.".One of the young maids interrupted, bowing her head as was her custom. "Ma'am, there's a gentleman here to see you. He says his name is Gregg."The corner of my mouth curled into a smile. "Tell him I'll be with him shortly."She did so and left. My heart thudded just that little bit more in anticipation.Gregg was the very one I had been waiting for. A piece I needed on the board in order to checkmate my opponent.I did not lose any time. I swiftly bathed and put on one of my white robes.As I descended the stairs into the living room, Gregg was already in the middle. His ext
Kate’s POVMy fingers were pulling up the encrypted line I used for black ops calls. I didn’t hesitate, not even for a second.I took a walk away from the pool, heading for a quiet spot to make the call.The Delta Rogues were not just a strike team. They were banished soldiers, sniper specialists, ex-pack best who were cast out or dissolved by their areas and pounded themselves into mercenary gun-for-hire.I punched the phone and held on. One ring. Two."Speak." A gruff voice answered. The tone immediately told me it was Captain Zack."It's Kate. I have an op that must be launched tomorrow morning. 08:00 hours, coordinates will be disclosed en route."There was silence. I could hear crackling in the distance, like he was already on some far-off path with his men. "Brief me."I paced back and forth, thinking about how to deceive him without appearing deceitful."We're going behind enemy lines. I need your best and then, guns, snipers. Anything new and illegal you've been waiting to tes